5 Common Skin Allergies in Dogs Completely Preventable

Does your dog itch constantly? Itchiness, hair loss, and general discomfort are symptoms of skin problems & allergies. There are so many different type of skin allergies they can be difficult to identify at times even by a professional vet.

 

In this blog we look at the five most common skin problems that affect dogs, identify symptoms and solutions to prevent them.

1. Food Allergies

Food related allergies can cause extreme itching & licking of the paws, itchy ears that can lead to ear hematomas, face, and around the anus of an affected dog, leading to serious discomfort and scooting. Those allergies and most commonly caused by a protein in the dogs’ food such as chicken and beef. The allergic reaction also can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

To examine if your dog is allergic to a certain food, your vet will create an elimination diet comprising non-allergic foods. Once you identify the food causing allergies in your dog, slowly eliminate it from his/her diet.

Most vetrinarians recommend duck protein as it is the least known protein to cause allergies to dogs by modern medicine. For itchy paws we recommend Iodine foot soak.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or atopy is an environmental allergy resulting from contact with allergens such as pollen, mold spores, plants, and grass or dust mite among others. Environmental allergies are a common cause of discomfort for many dogs, often requiring a visit to the vet. Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to environmental allergies because of the skin folds and short snout.

As a pet owner, you should always be on the lookout for signs of these allergies. If left untreated, the affected spot can become infected and transform into generalized dermatitis. It is best to prevent these allergies from happening in the first place as they cause great discomfort for your dog. Our hypoallergenic organic PJ's are scientifically known to minimize the environmental allergens. With our clothing you can prevent your dog from direct contact with stressors like grass, plants & pollen.

When your dog comes in contact with environmental allergens, he/she may itch in the face, ears, feet, tummy, and chest. If your dog is sensitive to the environment, you may need to provide medications or steroids, medicated wash or wipes, hypoallergenic clothing, and environmental changes to manage the condition.

 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

This is the most common skin allergy among dogs and other pets and results from an allergic reaction to a flea’s saliva. Your dog can suffer from this condition even with one flea bite, making it essential to keep your pooch flea-free at all times. Limit your dogs contact with grass and other dogs whom you may not know, for a more natural remedy please use a shampoo that is gentle and prevents fleas. You can also use anti flea dog collar. In the most extreme situations you might have to visit your vet to get a professional medical opinion.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes serious itch on the affected area. The condition is contagious and an infected dog can spread it to other dogs and humans. If you notice circular, crusty bald patches on your dog’s skin, it may be ringworm. Call your vet for advice immediately. You can manage ringworm with oral medications and medicated washes based on the level of infection.

Dandruff

In dogs, dandruff results from skin irritation or excessive skin dryness. If your dog’s diet is lacking in protein and essential fatty acids and other important nutrients, his/her coat may become try, predisposing the animal to dandruff. If your dog has dandruff, increase his intake of high quality protein and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for enhanced skin and coat health. Giving your dog supplements like fish oil might help significantly. Breeders also swear by CBD oil and coconut oil. (both considered a natural remedy) Increase water and hydration intake. Use our cooling bandanason an affected area to prevent extreme dryness. The process is simple, just wet the bandana, wring it and place it on your dogs affected area.

There are several skin problems that can affect your dog. But many of them are preventable with the right precautions. Hypoallergenic clothing made from natural organic 100 percent cotton can help reduce your dog’s contact with environmental stressors irritants and allergens that cause skin problems.  Our cooling bandanas on can prevent dandruff. Iodine foot soak can help with itchy paws and coconut oil is great for the dog’s skin coat and also prevents dry nose. If your dog experiences any extreme allergic reaction please contact your vet immediately.